According to data from the international organization Oxfam, by 2025, the wealth of billionaires increased by $2.5 trillion, which corresponds to a growth of 16% compared to the previous year. This significant increase occurred three times faster than the average over the past five years, leading to a record level of $18.3 trillion.
Oxfam reports that by the end of November 2025, the total wealth of billionaires reached $18.3 trillion, which is $2.5 trillion more than in 2024, indicating a year-on-year growth of 16.2%. This growth rate is three times higher than the average observed since 2020. Additionally, since March 2020, taking inflation into account, wealth has increased by 81%, equivalent to $8.2 trillion.
It is noted that the number of billionaires has exceeded three thousand for the first time, while nearly half of the world's population continues to live in poverty. Oxfam emphasizes that about 60% of billionaire wealth is generated from three main sources: inheritance, nepotism, and corruption or monopolistic power.
The report states: "Trillions of dollars are passed down through inheritance, contributing to the formation of a new aristocratic oligarchy with significant influence in political and economic spheres."
According to Oxfam's estimates, 36% of billionaire wealth is inherited. It is predicted that over the next thirty years, more than a thousand currently wealthy individuals will pass on over $5.2 trillion to their heirs, and most of these funds will not be taxed.
"Half of the world's billionaires live in countries where there is no inheritance tax on the wealth they will pass on to their children," the press release states.
This report, titled "Resisting the Power of the Rich," was published by Oxfam ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, which will take place this week.
